2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

$38,045 · Crossover

$49,550 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the $11,505 MSRP gap, positioning the Mazda at $38,045 against the Mercedes' $49,550. Performance metrics favor the CX-90, which produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the GLC's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. However, the smaller GLC offers superior fuel efficiency with a combined 27 MPG compared to the CX-90's 25 MPG, despite both achieving 24 MPG in city driving. Size differences are pronounced: the CX-90 is 15.1 inches longer (200.8 vs. 185.7 inches) and offers significantly more cargo space at 21.9 cu ft versus the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft. While the Mazda uses regular unleaded, the Mercedes mandates premium fuel, impacting long-term operating costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC wins for commuters due to its slightly better 27 combined MPG and smaller physical footprint (185.7 inches long).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is the better family choice, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 21.9 cu ft compared to the GLC's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 appeals more to driving enthusiasts by generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque versus the GLC's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 delivers superior power metrics for $11,505 less in base MSRP and accepts regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You require maximum hauling capability, as the CX-90 offers 21.9 cu ft of cargo space.
You prioritize outright engine output, benefiting from the CX-90's 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You want to minimize refueling costs by using regular unleaded fuel, unlike the GLC's premium requirement.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...

Your budget prioritizes a lower initial purchase price, factoring in the $11,505 MSRP savings of the CX-90 ($38,045 vs $49,550).
You primarily drive on the highway, where the GLC achieves 32 MPG compared to the CX-90's 28 MPG highway rating.
You prefer a more compact vehicle, as the GLC is 15.1 inches shorter in length than the CX-90.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Length	200.8"	185.7"
Width	78.5"	74.4"
Height	68.2"	64.6"
Wheelbase	122.8"	113.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	5
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	56.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC.

What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC?

The Mazda CX-90 offers a more powerful 280 hp engine, beating the Mercedes GLC's 255 hp, and it uses a standard AWD system. Conversely, the GLC comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission and utilizes rear-wheel drive as standard.

How do the fuel requirements compare for these two crossovers?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC strictly requires premium unleaded fuel, which often leads to higher long-term operational expenditures.

Which vehicle offers better utility space for cargo?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC provides significantly more accessible storage space with 21.9 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is limited to 14.9 cu ft, reflecting its larger exterior dimensions but smaller interior cargo volume in this comparison.

Is the $11,505 price difference justified by the performance gain in the Mercedes-Benz GLC?

The $11,505 higher MSRP for the GLC does not align with superior output; the Mazda CX-90 produces 25 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque. However, the Mercedes does offer slightly better combined MPG at 27 vs. 25.

Considering MPG, which vehicle is more efficient for daily driving?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC achieves a better combined rating of 27 MPG and pulls ahead significantly on the highway with 32 MPG. The Mazda CX-90 trails slightly at 25 combined MPG (24 city/28 highway).

How much larger is the Mazda CX-90 compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLC?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is dimensionally larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the GLC's 185.7 inches. This 15.1-inch length advantage contributes to its superior cargo capacity rating.